Men's Basketball | 2/27/2022 3:34:00 PM

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minnesota State University Moorhead freshman Jacob Beeninga has earned the NSIC Elite 18 Award for men's basketball, it was announced on Sunday. Beeninga received the award from NSIC Commissioner Erin Lind prior to the Dragons' win over St. Cloud State on Sunday in Sioux Falls.
 
He is the third student-athlete from MSUM to earn the award, on five difference occasions. Jill Safranski (women's golf) and Jake Mertens (men's basketball) each earned the honor twice.

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC's 18 Championships.
 
Beeninga, in his third season with MSUM, is majoring in finance and holds a 4.00 grade point average. Entering Sunday, the Maple Grove, Minn,m native has played in 25 games for the Dragons, starting in five this season.  He averages 7.9 points and 1.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game.  He also has 36 steals on the season and scored a season high of 20 points at Minot State this season.